Spiral binding



Oct. 25, 1938.

W. GRUMBACHER- SPIRAL BINDING v Filed April 11, 1935 `s sheets-smul I N VENT OR, rwmw;

ATTORNEY.

Oct 25., 1938 w. GRUMBACHER 2,134,400

sPIRAL BINDING Y Filed April ll, 1955 l 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 OCt- 25, 1938. w. GRUMBACHER SPIRAL BINDING Filed April 11, 1935 Edda 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented t.25,1938 2,134,400/V- UNITED STATES'y PATENT omer; 2,134,400V i i sPmAL BINDING Walter Grumbacher, New York, N. v^Y., assigner to Spiral Binding C0. Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April .11, 1935, serial No. 15,74 2 3 claims. (o1. 12s-1) This invention relates in general tothe bindmore efficient in their cooperation with the reing together of sheets of material and in particumovable stops;v

lar to that type of binding known as spiral bind- Figure ."1 .is a medial sectional View of another` ings, and in one of its phases it relates Vto bindform of removable stop; -l 5J.. ings of the type known as loose leaf bindings, that Figure 8 is alplanview of a further modified 5 is bindings in which the sheets constituting the form of removablestop; .i stack may be readily separated iromthe binding. Figure 9is a Asectional view onlthelineB-S of y This application is a continuation in partof Figure 8,'1ooki'ng in the Adirection'of the arrows; myk copending application Seriall Number 664,851, Figures 10 and 11 are medial sectional views .of 1'0". filed April 7, 1933, now Patent Number 2,051,477, furtherv modified forms; 1,0 Aug. 18, 1936. i 1 Figure 12 is a viewbf a form of stop requir-. In one of its aspects my invention deals with ing Aa threaded portionin thebindingl element; the construction of spiral binding elements and` Figure 13 is a plan view ofjanother form of stop in the association of stop members therewithf member applied kto two adjacent kcoils of a spiralv l f5?, such as may be applied to a -spiral binding elebindingY element; 3 7, u 115 ment to prevent its disassociationy with the stack, Figure 14 is an end. elevation of the. stop memand in particular to stop memberssuch as may, ber of Figure` 12, thegcoils of the spiral element be readily removed from their association with being shown in place therein; ,u u the binding element and readily applied thereto, Figure 15 is a View similar to that of Figure 13 my and whereby on effecting such removal the bindwith the rstop member in .open position;` zo, ing element may be disassociated from thestack, vFigure 16 shows in perspective, another form A thereby releasing the sheets thereof, while when of stop adapted for applicationv to an intermediate the stop member is applied, the sheets will'be coil of av spiral element; u .y securely bound. f Figure-1'? is a perspective view of still lanother As to another aspect my invention relates to the form of stop adapted `ofr'application to an inter- 2,5,

assembly of sheets of material by means of spiral mediate vcoil of a-spir'al element; .Y y y l binding elements, in a manner that will enable FigureY 18 is a plan view showing a spiral bindconvenient manipulation thereof. ing for sheets in which two spirals are arranged Among the objects of my invention are therein end to end relation;` I 30; fore the provision of a spiral binding construc- Figure-19 shows, in elevationan arrangement 30 tion for sheets whereby the latter are .readily similar .to thatof Figure 18, .but inwhichthe accessible, and the provision of a construction in binding is effected vby l three spirals in y,end to,

which a stop member is so associated with aV end relation; f Y I j i spiral binding element that it may readilybere- Figure 20 illustratesthe useof a stop element moved therefrom and readilyreplaced thereon as in Figure 13 for connecting. twoA spiralv ele- 35 and one that will provide for the securebinding ments;

of a stack of sheets and will be pleasing in yap- Figure 21 shows anotherform of stop element pearance so as not to detract'from the comadapted for the interconnection of two spiral mercial possibilities thereof. f elements; Vv. Il

40 For the attainment of these and other objects Figure 22 is aplan view of a portion of a stack 40 as'will hereinafter appear or be pointed out I of sheets with stop v.members for .the spiral elehave disclosed several embodiments o f my invenment ycarried by portions of `the stack ;v andv tion in the drawings inWhiCh! f Figure 23 is a sectional .view on the line 23--23 Figure 1 is a view in perspective of a stack of of Figure 22, looking inv the.. direction ofthe sheeted material held together by a spiral bindarrows` i i f u l u ing element having end stops positioned thereon; lOn referring V.to Figure -1 `ituwill be observed Figure 2 is a sectional view on the line 2-2 of u that I there `ShQW, a. Construction Very suitable Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows; for calendars. A stack of sheets is boundr by the Figure 3 is a medial sectional view through a vspiral element 26 to a backing member 21. The

stop of the removable type in position on a wire latter has a portion 28 upstandingV from` the 50 such as a portion of a coil of a spiral -binding elemain body thereof, and this upstanding portion s ment; perforated, as shown at 29,to accommodate the Figures 4, 5 and 6 'are respectively detail views coils `of the spiral element 26. Corresponding showing constructions adapted for the coils ofk perforations 30 are provided in the stack.25, for

the spiral binding element so as to make themV the same purpose. n 'f- Inthis 'I'he stack 25 is shown as held in an inclined position, by a supporting member in the form of a stand comprising a member having spaced opposed walls 3|, 32, into the space 33 between which the backing member 31 may be inserted. A bracket member, 34, applied to the back of member 32 serves to support the latter in the desired position. -V 1 In order to prevent 'disassociation element 26 with the stack 25, stops 35 and 36 may be provided on the spiral element. These are shown in Figure 3 as applied to the ends of the spiral element and may both be of the removable type, although it will be obvious that -in order to be able to which prevents their forations 30.

While the stop members 35 and 36 areshown as applied to the ends ,of is not necessarily so. For instance,ja stop element might be applied to `one of the intermediate coils, and if it is in such engagement therewith that it does not slip in relation tothe spiral will act effectively to prevent disengagement thereof from the stack. Again, Ythestop element may be of atype engaging one or more coils intermediate or otherwise, and provide a'barbetween the perforations. 'I'hese and otherjforms willbe found among the stop members-disclosed herein.

One form of stop member is shown Yin Figure 3. figure39 indicates a'portion of a spiral binding element on which the stop member `is mountedfThe latter comprises lan outer body orshell 40 having openingsat'the ends thereof. The walls of the shell A40 are tapered', as shown at 4| so as toexert a camming action on the passage through the -perjaws 42 of an inner member 43, being adapted tov pass through the opening 44 at one end ofthe shell 40 and to slide in relation to the shell. The jaws 42 are made of resilient material, and, as the member 43 is lslid forward Ythe jaws close, due to the camming action 'heretofore referred to. When the member 43, slides Vin the opposite direction, the jaws 42,`due to their resiliency, up. The member 43 has an openingtherethrough, through which theportion 39 of the spiral may pass, and is also provided with a head 4| on its outer. end. A compression which may be of the coil type, is shown as acting between the shoulders 4 6 provided on the jaws 42, and the shoulders 41 on the shell 43, to cause the member 43 to move in such a direction that the jaws thereof tend to close. this construction, when the coil lportionV 39 is inserted therethrough, the jaws 42 will close thereon and hold it in place in relationjto the shell 40. `In order to. effect disengagement of the jaws, the head 4|is'moved away from the shell 40, in which event thejaws 42, being `no longer subjected to thecamming effect of the walls 4|, are free toopen". The movement of the head 4| in Yrelation to the shell 40, where the stop'element is asmall one, is readily effected by inserting a ngerfnailbetween h ead 4| and shell In order to` secure' a-better gripping actionin a stop member, such as the one shown in FigureS, the spiral element may have its surface modified in vvarious ways-such-as those shown -in Figures 4, 5 and 6." In Figure 4 a spiral element 39 has a seriesl oftransverse notches `49 applied to the surface thereof. It is to be understoodithat-these ofthe spiral remove. the VSpiral element from the stack, it is suiiicient if only one of them, say the stop 36, is removable. These stops perform their functions by reason of'their size,"

j effect will be similar to that the spiralf element, this? Open.

spring 45,.

As a result of Vtion to the construction of Figure 4.

AIn Figure 6 the binding element member 39 has a screw thread 53 formed thereon. When the jaws 442 engage the -threaded portion 53, the of the construction shown in Figure 5. Disengagement of the stop member may be effected either by releasing the jaws 43 in relation to the member 39"', or by turning it in relation thereto, whereby the stop member will be unsecrewed. due to the screw thread and-nutaction between the jaws 43 and thread`53; Y

It is to be understood that while I have described thefspiral element construction of Figures 5 and 6 in relation to the stop member of Figure 3, that the same may be effectively used in combination with other forms of stop elements that depend for their action on a gripping engagement of the surface of the binding element. f Y I In Figure 7 a form of stop member is shown which is similar to that of Figure 3 in that it has a lbody member 6|, havinga central bore provided with cammingV surfaces 63 adapt-ed toengage the jaws 65 of theinner sliding member 61. A spring 69,'engaging suitable'shoulders on the jaws and on the 'member' 6|,forces the jaws 65 against the carn'- surfaces 63 so as to cause them to grip a spiral element inserted between the jaws. 'I'he cap memberl 'Il is carried by the body 6|, and is provided with an 'opening 13 through which the element to be gripped is inserted, and by which it is guided.

It will be observed that the member 61 is closed at one end so that this-member is adapted for use'only on the end of a spiral binding element. This end is inserted through the opening 'I3 and through thejaws (i3-andy is brought to a stop at the bottom of the memberv 61. This construction therefore differs from that of Figure 3 in that in the latter the binding element passes completely through the 'same for which reason thisr Vstop may be slid over intermediate portions of the binding element instead of being restricted merely to application over the end portion.

Figures 8' and 9 show another form -of stop member adapted for vuse on the endfof a binding element. This stop member is shown as comprising a shell 8| of generally disc-shaped conformation, having a central raised portion 83, and a rim contoured so as to form a channel within which is held a. spring' 81, having'the portions 93 adjacent the free ends thereof adapted to pass through slots 89 applied in the sides of the raised portion 83, so as to grip the end 9| lof a spiral binding element (shown in dotted 4tion H3 with an opening H5 therein. A plate H1 is held in place above the raised portion H3 in any suitable way, as by lugs H9, struck up fromthe member IH, and this plate is provided with resilient jaws |2| adapted to grip a spiral binding element, such as is indicated by dotted lines |23, inserted thereinto.

As to the constructions of Figures 8 to 11 inclusive it will be observed that the gripping action thereof cannot be controlled positively in any way as can the gripping action of those of Figures 2 and 6. It is therefore obvious that whenthese forms are used there is apt to be considerable wear on the surfaces yvor the spiral binding element as these stop membersare slid in` relation thereto. This is particularly true where the surfaces of the binding elements are constructed as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6, since the jaws of the locking members catch in the grooves and greater abrasion results when it is attempted to disengage them.

In Figure 12 is showna disc shaped stop member |3| provided with an internal thread |33 adapted to screw on the threaded portion |35 of the end of a spiral member |31. For convenience in manipulation, since these parts are usually very small, a U shaped member |39 may be attached to the member |3| as shown,` a1- though it is not necessary for the proper functioning of the device. e

This form is obviously mostuseful at the extreme end portions of a spiral binding element, asotherwise a long threaded portion would be required, which, besides being more expensive to manufacture, would weaken the binding element to a considerable extent and would be more readily .damaged during use. Where the U shaped member |39 is used, it would limit the length of the useful threaded portions, since it would act asa stop tending to determine the distance that the member |3| could be screwed on the binding element.

The forms so far described depend for their stop action on the fact that they are too large to pass through the perforations of the stack. The next form to be described is one in which an abutment is used that strikes vagainst the material of thestack between the perforations when it is attemped to remove the spiral by unwinding it. f y

In Figures 13, 14 and 15 is shown a stop ,member in the form of a pair of jaws hinged together and having recessed portions therein which are adapted to engage the adjacent coils of a spiral binding element. One of the jaws is indicated at |4| and is shown as provided with a hinge carrying extension |43 and a projecting lug |45, between which sufcient space is left to receive a portion of a coil |5| of the binding element. The opposite end |41 of the jaw |4| isshown as bent backwardly so as to provide a recess for the reception of a portion of another 'coil |53 of a spiral binding element. The jaw |49 is hinged to the jaw |4| in opposed relation thereto and is provided with a bent extensionv |55 adapted to resiliently engage theV portion |41 of the jaw |4| and to thereby lock the two jaws together, and is alsoprovided with `a projection the recesses receiving the coils |5| and |53,

should be so proportioned in relation to the coils that they will receive the same with al gripping action and furthermore the spacing'between the coil receiving recessesmay be such that the vcoils are sprung out of their normal pitch so as to be held in the recess in resilient tension, where a resilient binding element is used. The jaw |49 may further be proportioned so as to grip the coil portion ,|5| :when it is in its Closed'position.

It will kbe vobvious that the coils to which the stop members of Figures 13, 14 and 15v may be applied, may be located at any intermediate portion of the spiral binding element, or may be located at the end portions thereof. It will fur` thermore be obvious that the coils engaged by the stop member need not necessarily be adjacent, but that they may be spaced from each other. In an extreme case, the stop member may even be designed to engage the two opposed end coils of the spiral element.

In Figure 16 is shown a stop member similar to that shown in Figures 13, 14 and 15, but adapted to receive only one coil 'of the binding element. In this ligure, |5| and |63 are a pair ofjaws,

hinged together at |65, and the jaw |5|; has a 1 recess -|61 adapted to receive a coil |69 of a spiral grip the coil |69 sufliciently to hold it against sliding displacement which may result from ordinary handling. 4'

As to this form of stop member, as well as that of Figure 13, it will be observed that they may be applied to intermediate coils of the spiral binding element and it will be observed that only one stop member, if applied on an intermediate coil, will effect the function of two stop 'Y members, applied one at each end. N

It will of course be understood that 'instead of the hinge construction shown as unitingthe jaws of the stop members of'Figures 13 and 16, other constructions may be used. vFor instance, both jaws might be formed from a single piece of resilient material, suiciently yieldable to ,provide for the hinge action.

In Figure 17 I-have `shown another form of stopfthat may be applied to an intermediate part of the binding element. rIfhis stop is shown as comprising a pair of jaws |15'and |11 hinged together as by a pintle |19. The jaws are forced into closing position by a (spring. ,|8|, which is shown as of the torsion type, althoughjobviously it maybe of other types.

In Figures 18 and 19 I have shown constructions involving the use of a plurality of spiral binding elements. n

The construction shown in vFigure 18V comprises a number of sheets |9| arranged in staggered overlapping relation, and bound together along one edge thereof by spiral elements |93 and |95 passing through perforations |91 in the sheets |9|. It will be obvious that this construction is particularly adapted for card indexV systems of the visible type and provides for ready Visibility of the indicia appliedv to the exposedportions of venience is gained if it is desired to remove individual cards. For examplefitmay be desired to remove the card atthe eXtreme left end of the stack. This may be doneV by moving the spiral |95 Without disturbing the spiral |93 of the cards associated therewith. `Spiral |95 may be unwound toward the left, or it may be wound toward the right, passing into the same holes already occupied by the spiral |93, these being made sufficiently large for that purpose.

Ii the middle card of the stack is to be removed, it is necessary to move both spirals |93 and |95, but this need'be done only for a small distance. If a single spiral were used, it would have to be unwound for a distance greater than half the length of the stack.Y The great advantage of the two spiral construction, particularly where the row of cards is long, will be obviousk in this instance. l

Obviously the plural binding element is not necessarily restricted to the staggered arrangement, but is also conveniently used iny connection with ordinary stacks.

In order to lock the spiral binding elements in place, I have indicated,symbolically, a stop member |99 whichserves to interconnect the spiral elements |93 and |95, and` at the same time to prevent disassociation of these elements from the stack.

The element |99 may be of the form shown in Figure 13, that is, one which bridges two coils. Suchan element is indicated in Figure 20, in which |49 indicates one jaw of a stop member. such as that of Figure 13, provided with the clamping portion and the releasing lug |51. The numeral 20| indicates the end of one coil of a spiral element such as |93, and the numeral 203 indicates the oppositely directed end of a coil belonging to another spiral element, such as |95.

While I have shown one connecting element |99 as interconnecting the spirals |95 and |93 it will be obvious that many other arrangements might be used. For instance each one of these spirals might be provided with an individual stop (for example of the type shown in Figure or '7) at its inner end, with the same effect, or again an intermediate stop (as in Figure 13, 16 or 17) stop member is believed to be unnecessary.

might be used on an intermediate coil. These examples indicate a few of the possibilities.

In Figure 19 I show a stack |9|' similar to the stack |9| of Figure 18, but instead of two spirals, I have indicated the use of more than two spirals, the particular number shown being three, although obviously any desired number may be used. The spirals are denoted in the drawings by |93', |95 and |96', and the stop elements,l

shown by way of example as of the interconnecting type (as inV Figure 20) are denoted by |99. Here again, it is obvious `that other stop arrangements may be used with like effect.

Instead of coupling the coils as shown in Figure 20, that is, one in which the coupled coils lie side by side, the ends of the coils may be united in end to end relation as shown in Figure 21, by the arrangement such as there shown, by Way of example. This arrangement involves merely an end to end duplication of the parts of Figure 7. In view of the complete description of the construction of Figure 7 further description of this It need merely be stated that corresponding parts of Figure 21 have been given the same numerals as Figure 7 with the addition of priming. The ends of the respective coils have been denoted by 20|' and 203. Y

In'Figures 2 2 and 23 is shown a construction in which the purpose is to prevent movementof the spiral after it is in place, by means other than stops applied to the spiral, and for this purpose I Vhave shown, by way of example, stop members adapted to obstruct the perforations of the stack so that the spiral cannot pass therethrough, and

the stop .members are applied to portions .of the stack, and not to the spiral binding element. By referring to these-figures it will be observed that the stack 2|5 shown therein is provided wtha cover member -2I |.k Perforations 2|`| pass through all the sheetsof the stack and the cover, and a spiral binding element 2|9y is threaded through theperforations. A stop member 22|,V is shown as carried on each corner portion of the cover member 2'|| Vadjacent to the ends of thespiral binding element. .Each stop element 22| may consist-of a strap or band of any suitable.

position in which it obstructs the end perforations or swing into aposition such as the dotted line position,- in .whichit clears the end perforation. Stop member 22| isfurthermore shown Vas perforated at 225, at a point registering with the end perforations 2|`| of the cover. and stack when the stop member is vin the aforementioned fullline position. It will however be observed that only onelegofthe stopmember 22| is so perforated 'and that the outer or upper leg is not perforated, so thatwhen the stop member assumes the aforementioned full .lineposition of Figure 22, the outer. leg thereof serves to obstruct the'end perforations. 2|'|. When thestop member is in thisposition, it is only-necessaryto insert the end ofthe spiral element 2 9 into the, perforation 225 to eiect a locking of the spiral in 4onedirecf. tion of motion. By having asimilar stop member atthe other end ,of the spiral, said ,other ties of a resilient spiral element, inV order .to avoid motion between the stop; member and the spiral element, and the effectiveness of the construe-f tion mayfbe still further enhanced by distorting the spiral 2|9 under resilient tension so as to un, coil it, .while-the stop member.y is placed into .the aforementioned full line position, On releasing the spiral and guiding its end into the perfora-V tions 225 the spiral will `be, securely locked in place .under resilient tension.

It is to be. understood that the .stop just de-f scribed.A is illustrative of agreat Variety of Iconstructions embodying obstruction ofthe perforations ofy the stack. I may mention one formin which the stop mightbe hinged to thecover, in lid fashion, so as to c over the perforations when lowered, and clear it when raised. n Another class of stops, also associatedwith the cover would make use of the principle of locking aportion ofthe spiral to a portion of the stack.

For example, the member 22| might be made yieldable and resilient. If .now the appropriately bent end ofthe member 2|9 is inserted between the member 22| and the cover 2H it will be held there. To accomplish this function the member 22| need not have any pivotal movement,- solong as a part thereof may be raised for the insertion and clamping therebeneath of a portion of the spiral. Y Y Still other embodiments of this idea mayemploy any member carried by the 'stack and engaging any portion of the spiral, not'necessarily an end portion.

While I have herein described Vseveral embodiments of my invention it will be obvious that the same may be embodied in other forms as will be obvious to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A spiral binding construction comprising a stack of sheets, the sheets of lsaid stack having registering perforations along one edge thereof, a spiral binding element threaded turn for turn through said perforations, and means carried by one ofthe sheets of the stack and adapted to be'V positioned so as to obstruct the passage of the spiral through one of the perforations of said sheet.

2. A spiral binding construction comprising a stack of sheets, the sheets of said stack having registering perforations along one edge thereof, a spiral binding element threaded turn for turn through said perforations, and means adapted to be positioned so as to prevent the passage of the spiral through one ofi said registering perforations, said means being pivotally carried' by one of the sheets of said stack.

3. In a spiral binding construction, a stack of sheets having a row of perforationsk adjacentone edge thereof, a plurality of spiral bindingelements each threaded through some of said perforations so as to assume an end to end relation, a connecting member associated with the adjacent portions of said spiral binding elements so as to unite them, and adapted when in such position to prevent disassociation of said spiral binding elements from the stack.

4. For use in a spiral binding construction, in combination, a spiral binding element having portions of the surface thereof roughened, anda member adapted to prevent the passage of the spiral element through the perforations of a stack with which it is associated and having resilient portions thereof adapted to press against said roughened portions.

5. In a spiral binding construction, a spiral binding element adapted to be threaded through uniformly spaced perforations provided in a stack of sheets and having portions of the surface thereof provided with grooves, and a removable member having resilient portions adapted to press against said grooves, and when so functioning to prevent the passage of the spiral element through the perforations of said stack.

6. For use in a spiral binding construction, a spiral binding element having portions of the surface thereof provided with transverse grooves.

7. In a spiral binding construction for a stack of sheets provided with perforations, a spiral binding element threaded through the perforations in said stack, and stop means adapted for 75 engagement with said spiral element for preventing itsremoval-fromthe stackA of sheets, said meansfhavingresilientl portionsv thereon adapted to press against portions of s aidbinding element, and being adapted for ready applicationto and ready removal fromv such position of engagement. 8. Inv a spiral binding construction for a stack of sheets provided with perforations, a spiral bindingelement threaded through'the perforationsvin'said-staclnand stop means adapted for engagement withisaid spiral`A element for preventingl itsl removal from the stack of sheets, said means having resilient portions thereon adapted to press against portions of said bindingelement.

' 9. In! a :spiral'binding construction for a stack of sheets provided withpe'rforations, a spiral binding element threaded through the perforations in said stack, andstop means adapted for` engagement with said spiral binding element for preventing its removal from the stack of sheets,

said means being provided with jaws adapted to grip saidspiral binding element.

10. For use-in a spiral binding construction, a stack ofv sheets, the sheets of which have registering perforations therein,adapted for the reception therethrough, in threaded relation,` of a spiral binding element and movable'means carried by'one of the sheets of said Vstack and adapted to be moved -into a position in whichitobstructs at least one of the perforations of said sheet so as toprevent the passage therethrough of said spiral'binding element. lr Y l1. Foruse with a spiralr binding constructionin whicha stackof sheets is bound together by a pair of Yspiral binding elements positioned in end to end relation, and each threaded through someV of the perforations in the stack,v a connecting member' adapted to connect said spiral binding element's'together, said member being of Vsuch conformation that ity cannot perforations in the stack'. Y

'12.. For use with a spiral binding construction in whicha stack of perforated ,sheets is bound together by a pair of spiral'binding elements each threaded through some'of the-perforations of ksaid stack, a removable 'connecting `member adapted to connect said `spiral binding'elements together, said memberv being of such conformation that it cannot pass through the perforationsin the stack.

clamping to two coils of said spiral binding lelement,

14. For use in uniting a stack of perforated sheets, a spiral binding element adapted to be threaded through the perforations of said stack in combination with a member adapted for direct attachmentto said spiral element at an intermediate portion thereof and without passing over the end thereof, said member comprising jaws adapted to receive a portion of said spiral element therebetween, said member being of such conformation that it will not Apass through the perforations of the stack, whereby it will prevent disassociation of said spiral from said stack.

15. For use in uniting a stack of perforated sheets, a spiral binding Velement adapted `to be threaded through theY perforations of said stack in combination with a member adapted for direct attachment to said spiral element Aat an intermediate portion thereof and without passing over the end thereof, said member' comprising resilient jaws adapted to receive a portion of said spiral element therebetween, said member being of such pass through theA conformation that 1t will not pass through the perforations of the stack, whereby it will prevent disassociation of said spiral from said stack.l

-16. In a spiral binding construction, a stack of sheets having perforations thereirna plurality'of spiral binding elements each threaded through some of said perforations vin end to enderelation, a connecting member associated with portions of each pair of said spiral binding elements so as to unite them, and adaptedwhen so applied to prevent disassociation of said spiral binding elements from the stack, said member being adapted for connecting portions of said spiral elements removed from the end portionsthereof, and without engaging the end portionsA thereof.

17. In a spiral binding construction, a stack of sheets having a row of perforations adjacent one edge thereof, a plurality of spiral bindingelements each` threaded through some of said perforations so that the spirall elements are aligned in end to end relation, aY connecting member associated With portions of said spiral binding elements so as to unite them, and adapted when in such position to prevent disassociation of said spiral binding elements from the stack, said members being adapted for connecting portions of said spiral elements removed from their end portions, and Without engaging the `end portions thereof. Y

`18. YFor use withra pair of spirall binding ele- `ments for uniting a stack of perforated sheets, a

stop member for preventing disassociation of said spiral binding 'elements from the perforations of said stack, said member comprising Yopenings adapted torreceive the ends of said spirals and also comprising retaining means adapted to engage the end portions of said spiral binding elements and to retain them Within said openings.

19. For use with a pair of aligned spiralrbinding elements for unitinga stack of perforated sheets, a stop member for preventing disassociation of said spiral binding elements from the perforations of said stack, comprising openings adapted to receive the ends of said spiralsv and also comprising retaining means adapted to engage the end portions of said spiral binding elements and to retain A them Withinsaid openings.

sheets adapted to receive through the perfora- 20. In combination with@ stack'of perforatedV tions thereof a plurality Vof, spiral binding elements positioned in end to end relation, each` being threaded through some of said perforations, a connecting Yelement provided with aligned openings adapted to receive an end portion of each spiral of a pair of contiguous spirals, said connecting element being of such form that it will not pass through said perforations.

21. A spiral binding construction comprisinga of the stack, and adapted to receive the end of a spiral binding element threaded through the stack, and the other leg of said member being unperforated, whereby, when said perforation of the member is aligned WithA a perforation of the stack and the end of said spiral binding element is inserted into said registeringperforations of said stack and said member, it will pass thereinto but will be prevented from emerging on the other side `by the unperforated leg of said member, and whereby turning of said spiral element l in one direction will be prevented.

22. For use with a binding construction in which a stack of sheets is bound together by a spiral binding element passing through perforations in the stack, the combination of a spiral binding element having the coils thereof pitched so that they may be threaded through the perforations of the stack, and an element of such a size that it cannot pass through the perforations of the stack, removably positioned on only a linitedportion of only one turn of the binding element. Y

23. For use in a spiral binding construction, a spiral binding element having at least one end thereof provided With screw threads adapted for the reception of aA complementarily threaded member. 

